Bring Your Bike or Scooter

The Riverside Transit Agency is pleased to offer you greater flexibility and more options to get to your destination by combining two popular modes of transportation: the bicycle and the bus. RTA buses feature bike racks on all fixed-route buses including CommuterLink Express and RapidLink. All you have to do is ride your bike to the nearest RTA bus stop, load your bike onto the bike rack, and go to your destination! It’s easy, free and convenient.

Every RTA bus has a bicycle rack capable of handling at least two bikes with standard bike tires (maximum of 26” or 700 cm). Bikes are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Passengers wishing to transport bikes should first notify the coach operator that they are loading or unloading a bike before approaching the bike rack.

WHEN LOADING YOUR BICYCLE IN THE BIKE RACK:

  • Wait for the bus to come to a complete stop before loading your bicycle.
  • Bicycles must not exceed 55 lbs.
  • Loose articles must be removed from bicycle before being placed on the bike rack.
  • Bicycle handlebars or baskets must not obstruct driver’s view.
  • Foldable bicycles (non-motorized) no larger than 28" x 20" x 11" are permitted on board (under the seat). The coach operator has the discretion to deny foldable bicycles which cannot be reasonably and safely stored under the seat, or safely on the exterior bike rack.
  • Bikes are not allowed to be locked to the bike rack.
  • Tandem bikes and tricycle bikes are not allowed.
  • Please remember, you are responsible for the loading and unloading of your bicycle. When departing the bus, exit through the front door and let the coach operator know your removing your bicycle from the rack.
  • RTA is not responsible for loss or damage to bicycles.

CHILDREN AND BIKE RACKS:

  • Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult when loading or unloading their bicycle from the rack.
  • Children’s bicycles are permitted provided that the “J-Hook” fits snugly over the front tire of the bicycle.

BATTERY-POWERED BICYCLES AND SCOOTERS ARE ALLOWED ON RTA BUSES:

  • Customers are allowed to place electric bicycles with sealed gel, lithium Ion, or NiCad batteries in the bike rack as long as they fit safely in the bike rack and have standard tires. Must also meet the bicycle requirements listed above.
  • Customers are allowed to carry on the bus electric scooters with sealed gel, lithium Ion, or NiCad batteries as long as they can be folded and fit under your seat or on your lap.

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON RTA BUSES:

  • Customers are not allowed to bring on board the bus items such as used gasoline cans, car batteries, hover boards, gas-powered vehicles or objects too large to fit under passenger seats.
  • Electric bikes with liquid lead acid batteries are not permitted in the bike rack nor are gas-powered bikes.
  • Electric bikes with liquid acid batteries are not permitted.

NOTE: FOR YOUR SAFETY, LOADING AND UNLOADING OF BICYCLES SHOULD BE DONE FROM THE CURBSIDE OF THE BUS.

  1. When waiting for the bus, stand a safe distance from the curb (never in the street) and wait until the bus has come to a complete stop before stepping out to use the bike rack. Please signal to the driver that you will be loading your bicycle.
  2. Release the bike rack by squeezing the latch handle and slowly lowering the rack.
  3. Look for the area labeled “FRONT WHEEL.” Lift your bike into the rack so the front tire rests in the area labeled “FRONT WHEEL” and the back tire rests in the slot behind it.
  4. To secure your bike for transport, grasp the silver metal “J-Hook” and pull out where labeled “PULL.” Pull up and slide the “J-Hook” so it rests on the top of your front tire. Your bike is now secure and you may board the bus.
  5. When leaving the bus, exit through the front door and remind the driver that you are removing your bike from the rack.
  6. After removing your bike, if there are no other bikes on the rack, lift the rack up until the latch clicks into place and is secure.
  7. Move your bike onto the curb and wait until the bus passes.

Forgotten bikes will be held for no more than five business days.